My editorial last week began by highlighting the study of geography, both macro-geography and micro-geography.  I also shared how until I began outlining a long-range plan in agriculture, there were parts of our own family farm I did not know about, even though I had visited it for over four decades.  That editorial can be found here.   http://hscottcooper.com/a-long-way-to-thank-county-leadership/.

The linked editorial ultimately was about thanking county leadership for the planning and execution of the Luke Bryan Concert this past weekend, where over 10,000 people entered our county, many thousands of them for the first time.  I started it the way I did, because heavy on my heart and mind is the future of Edgefield County.

Like I was unaware of the potential of some of our own family land, because I only knew the parts I had been exposed to, I believe many of us don’t understand the full potential future of Edgefield County.  In my opinion for us to reach the full potential of our county, together we will need to take a macroscopic approach to our county vs. a microscopic approach.  Allow me to define and separate the two.

A macroscopic approach to human geography aims to identify large-scale patterns in observed phenomena rather than concentrating on local data, especially in the analysis of population distribution, and its relation to economic and social conditions. A microscopic approach to geography is localized: involving or concerned with strict geographic localization.

I believe together we can accomplish a great vision for the future of our entire historic county.  A future where a rising tide lifts all boats: municipalities, non-municipal areas as well as areas which could potentially be incorporated over the next decade.  I believe that just like I was unaware of the potential of our own family farm, many of us are unaware of the potential of Edgefield County, with its proximity to the greater Central Savannah River Area.  This is especially true if we are focused on micro-geography.

Later this week, our county website will post a press release announcing three opportunities for Edgefield County citizens participate in public meetings regarding the completion and implementation of our Comprehensive Plan, which is currently being revised, with the help of a professional planning company.  These meetings will also be placed on our county calendar.

I would like to encourage you to participate in one of these three important meetings.  The dates are October 22^nd in Johnston, October 23^rd in Edgefield and October 24^th in Merriwether.  It is only necessary for you to participate one evening.  Each evening, the meetings will commence at 6:30 PM.

Because seating is limited in each of these venues, I would like to encourage you to R.S.V.P., so county leadership can plan accordingly.

Please click here to R.S.V.P. for the session in Johnston on Monday October 22, 2018.

Please click here to R.S.V.P. for the session in Edgefield on Tuesday October 23, 2018.

Please click here to R.S.V.P. for the session in Merriwether on Wednesday October 24, 2018.

Here’s wishing you a productive week!

In economics, there is the study of macro-economics and the study of micro-economics.

The same is true when studying geography.  A macroscopic approach to human geography aims to identify large-scale patterns in observed phenomena rather than concentrating on local data, especially in the analysis of population distribution, and its relation to economic and social conditions. A microscopic approach to geography is localized: involving or concerned with strict geographic localization.

I have shared numerous times since our relocation to the Greater CSRA and Edgefield County, that although newcomers, I had been studying the trends of our region since the late 1990’s.  Honestly, what I had not studied was our own family farm.  Coming here in 72-hour increments for the previous two decades, my sisters and I, our spouses, and our children typically walked the same path each time we went out for a walk, which we did multiple times a day on our visit to what is now called Misty Morning Farms.

It wasn’t until the fall of 2012, when I started coming alone for extended weekends to begin thinking about a future in agriculture and how to best utilize our family heirloom, which has been maintained through four generations.  The first weekend I came alone, I parked my car at the edge of a hay field and walked into the woods.  I learned how quickly the topography changed. I was amazed at the steepness of our own property.  I spent that day exploring this part of our property, where I had never been, despite visiting here for over four decades.

There is an effort in our republic to silence the discussion of faith.  I don’t know about you, I personally find that troubling, especially when you look at our founding documents, which on more than one occasion refer to the hand of Divine Providence.

I believe there is more I don’t know about faith than I do know.  What I do know is God typically works in ways we don’t plan or understand.

Why the connection?

In 2012, as I was preparing to leave a world I knew extremely well to enter a world I knew very little, and very few individuals, I discovered major things about property I visited over four decades, but clearly didn’t understand yet.  I plan to return to this part of this editorial next week.

The point in sharing the introduction is to share one prayer I had that weekend in 2012, and part of an answer.  I say a part of an answer, because there is still an unknown future.  A prayer I had that weekend is that God would use our property for good things.

I believe this weekend’s Luke Bryan concert at Misty Morning Farms is a good thing, not only for Misty Morning Farms, but for Edgefield County as a whole.  This is an event Misty Morning Farms did not solicit, and never could have imagined.  Not in our wildest dreams.

Resulting from this blessing, thousands of individuals will enter Edgefield County for the first time.  This is transpiring after our county leadership recently approved new branding, a new logo and a new website.  All of which should be up for these visitors to see as they enter our county this weekend!  All of which highlight the best of what Edgefield County is about!  As our macrogeographic region is experiencing tremendous growth, I believe this is great timing!

Also resulting from this blessing is a display of amazing teamwork by our county and state leadership, from the County Administrator’s office, the Sheriff’s office, the Fire Departments, Emergency Preparedness, EMS, DOT, State Police, Verizon, the school system and many, many others.  Far too many individuals to list.  Not only have they been on numerous logistical planning conference calls, they have attended two site meetings.  What is truly impressive is they kept this event “under wraps” for months, after it was decided in January, until Luke Bryan announced in late May.

I believe our citizens have much to be proud of for the teamwork and the professionalism each of these departments (and ones I have inadvertently missed) have displayed.  I hope you will join me in thanking these team members in each of these departments for their efforts.

For those who want to know: department team members working this event will be compensated or reimbursed by the Luke Bryan concert promoters.

Here’s wishing you a productive week!

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Above is my editorial in The Edgefield Advertiser on Wednesday October 3, 2018.  To follow are three reports about the concert, which have been done by local media!

Click here to read and watch Alexa Lightie of WRDW Channel 12’s report on September 24, 2018

Click here to read and watch Matt Kaufax of WRDW’s report on Wednesday October 3, 2018

Click here to read and watch Shawn Cabbagestalk of WJBF Channel 6’s report on October 3, 2018